Hearing loss is common in people over 65. Some types of hearing loss are treatable, others are permanent. Fortunately there is a wide range of treatments and interventions for people with hearing loss.

Hearing loss is one of the most common reasons for senior isolation. When your mother or father can’t easily participate in conversation or misunderstands what others are saying, he or she can get discouraged. And, if people are impatient or angry with a senior because of a hearing loss, he or she may retreat from society.

The social isolation that can result from hearing loss is dangerous and can lead to depression, anxiety, self-neglect, and a higher risk of dementia.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Some hearing loss is simply the result of old age. This is called presbycusis. Presbycusis is sneaky, because it robs elders of their hearing very gradually. Many seniors make adaptations to this loss without even realizing it. But that means they are often unaware that they have a significant hearing loss. This explains why seniors can be resistant to getting hearing aids.

Other causes of hearing loss in seniors include:

• High blood pressure.
• Stroke.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Fluid build up in the ear.

Loud noises. Snowblowers, lawnmowers, jet skis, neighboring teenagers playing the drums and other obnoxious noises can damage the fragile auditory nerve in old people.

Ototoxic medications. So many medications can damage hearing that they have an entire classification of their own. “Ototoxic” literally means “ear poison.” Several antibiotics, loop diuretics, and even good old aspirin can cause hearing loss. Other over-the-counter pain relievers, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, do as well.

Ear wax. Ear wax is a thoroughly treatable condition, but that wax can be surprisingly difficult to budge. If a senior is having difficulty cleaning his ear ways, senior care can help.

A puncture in the eardrum. It might seem unlikely, because your senior is probably not putting sharp objects in his ear. But eardrum punctures can occur due to infection or even clumsy attempts at ear cleaning.

How You Can Make Communication Easier

People with hearing loss often pick up some informal lip reading, and they also take cues from facial expressions. Many people with hearing loss can follow a conversation if it is slowed down.

To make communications with your senior easier, position yourself near her in a way that she can see your face. Try talking as slowly as you can without actually pausing between words. Simultaneously, speak a little louder than usual, but don’t shout. Make eye contact.

Keep in mind that elderly care is valuable to seniors who spend a lot of time at home. Elderly care aides are exceptionally skilled and patient in their communications with the hard of hearing. They provide companionship to people who may have withdrawn from social occasions.

In conclusion, old age often comes with hearing loss of some kind. Protecting your parent from loud noises is important. Be aware of the signs and causes of hearing loss. Don’t hesitate to take your mother or father for a quick and painless hearing test. And remember that professional elderly care exists to help seniors age gracefully and with a high quality of life.

Sources:  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
https://www.audiology.org/publications/guidelines-and-standards/untreated-hearing-loss-linked-depression-social-isolation
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tf3092

If you are considering Elderly Care Services in Lexington OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Ontario and the surrounding areas.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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